OUR BELIEFS

What We Believe

Our Core Convictions

About The Father — We believe the Father is a holy and righteous God who has called all men to repentance. In God, there is no darkness at all. His will included sending his Son, Jesus, to atone for the sins of humanity. This atonement satisfied his righteous character and demonstrates his great love. We believe God exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him. (See 2 Peter 3:9, 1 John 1:5, Psalm 30:5, Hebrews 11:6)

About the Son — We believe the Son is the exact imprint of the nature of God. It was through his blood that redemption flows. He is equal to the Father, but serves a different role. Jesus is the Word and was in the beginning with the Father. He lived a perfect life so that the Law might be fulfilled. Jesus is the only way to the Father. (See Hebrews 1:3, John 1:1-5, John 14:6)

About the Holy Spirit — We believe the Holy Spirit is one with the Father and the Son. The Holy Spirit actively participated in creation. He also worked miraculously through the apostles and disciples of the first century. While his work through men has changed, he is still living and working in the hearts of Christians. One of his primary tasks in believers today is to aid in holiness, or sanctification. This is demonstrated through the Fruit of the Spirit being present in the life of a believer. (See Genesis 1:2, John 16, Acts 1, Ephesians 1:13-15, Acts 2:38, 2 Corinthians 3:16-17)

About the Bible — We believe the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. We believe the Bible is true and reliable, was written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and that it is the complete authority for all Christians in matters of faith and practice. In other words, the Word of God is absolute truth. The word is sufficient for all things regarding life and salvation. (See 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Peter 1:20-21, Psalm 119:105)

About Mankind — We believe that all people are created in the image of God. God’s desire for humanity was to exalt Him throughout the ages. While that was the intent, when sin entered the world, creation was fractured. We are marred by sin and must enter into Jesus to find redemption. There is no hope without Jesus. (See Genesis 1:27, Genesis 3:1-7, Acts 4:12)

About Salvation — We believe salvation is by grace through faith. This faith is more than mere belief. We affirm that belief in Christ as God’s son is followed by repentance. Once repentance begins a person must declare Jesus as Lord. After the initial confession, immersion or baptism is symbolically taking on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Each and every one of these pillars of salvation is absolutely essential. (See John 20:31, Acts 17:30, Matthew 10:32, Romans 6, Acts 2:38)

About Holiness — We believe that once a person is saved they receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit empowers us to make positive changes in our lives. This doesn’t mean a person never makes mistakes. It does mean that the longer a person truly follows Jesus, the more like Him they will be. (See Acts 2:38, Ephesians 1:13-15, Galatians 5:22-23, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 1 John 1:7)

About Eternity — We believe that this life is only a temporary part of the story of eternity. On the Day of Judgment, those in Christ will be saved and spend eternity in Heaven with God. Those out of Christ will be eternally separated from God. Eternity with God is called Heaven. Eternity without God is called Hell. (See John 17:3, John 5:24, 2 Thessalonians 1:9, Romans 6:23)

Salvation

Probably the most important question you will ever ask is, “How can I be saved?” This question is another way of asking, “How do I please and glorify God?” To understand salvation, you have to really understand that God wants all people to come to know Him and live with Him forever. The following are the convictions we have about salvation:

God loves you and wants you to be saved. You can know this from hearing and understanding the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. God loved the world so much that He sent His son, Jesus, to dwell on earth as a real human being. He allowed His son to be sacrificed for our sin. The perfection of Jesus replaces our state that is marred by sin. His perfect life and perfect sacrifice allows us to have a relationship with God in his righteousness and holiness. (See John 3:16, Ephesians 2:1-6)

Believe that Jesus Christ is God’s son. This belief must fill your heart to the point where you are outwardly and inwardly willing to let Jesus Christ’s life and sacrifice cover your mind, body, and soul. This is a decision of trust in Jesus. (See John 20:31)

Stop making sinful choices. The bible calls this process repentance. It is more than simply feeling sorry for the wrong things you have done. It is literally running from sin and toward God. Repentance leads to changing the path of your life and choices in a way that draws you closer to God, which allows Him to change things in your life. (See Acts 17:30)

Declare Jesus as Lord. Confessing Christ as Lord is a way of life. This confession of your faith is done as a part of the plan for salvation, but it is also done throughout your daily life through your words and actions. (See Matthew 10:32)

Be immersed in water to wash away sins. Baptism is the point where salvation becomes reality. It is through baptism that a person takes on the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Baptism is like saying to Christ, “I am ready for you to lead me and follow the direction you want me to go – without you I have no hope.” We believe that when a person is ready to become a Christian, baptism should happen immediately. It is at the point of baptism that a person receives the Holy Spirit and fruit begins to grow that is cultivated through the Word and by the Spirit. (See Romans 6, Acts 2:38, Mark 16:16.)

Once a person is saved, the plan should be to actively follow Jesus. In other words, baptism is not the end of the process, it is only the beginning of Jesus transforming the life of the believer to faithfulness and holiness. We follow Jesus not to gain salvation, but because we have already been saved. Christians continually follow Christ’s example by trying to live a life filled with love and the Holy Spirit. The desire of a Christian to be like Christ is actively displayed in their life.